The team behind Berkshire’s The Woodspeen will tomorrow open a contemporary restaurant and cocktail bar called The Braywood on the site of the historic Royal Oak in Paley Street near Maidenhead.
Formerly owned by chat-show host Michael Parkinson, the Royal Oak was run by his son Nick for two decades and in 2018 hosted the local MP and Prime Minister Theresa May and her guest, French President Emmanuel Macron for lunch. The pub closed down during the pandemic and was boarded up until last year, when it was demolished – to the disquiet of some local residents.
The new building features a cantilevered flat-roof dining room with 70 covers, a cocktail bar and sustainable fittings such as high-efficiency lighting, heat pumps and passive ventilation. It overlooks a terrace with seating for another 36 guests in warmer weather and gardens landscaped to encourage biodiversity, with roosts for birds and bats and gaps in the boundary fence to allow hedgehogs to pass through. Despite its rural village location, The Braywood is just a few minutes’ hop by taxi from the Elizabeth Line station at Maidenhead.
The kitchen is run by head chef Sam Brennan working alongside general manager Thomas Gammella, who worked together at The Woodspeen in Newbury – which wins consistent high ratings in the annual Harden’s guides for its “sophisticated” and highly professional dining experience.
Sam promised: “We’re creating something truly exceptional here. We have this extraordinary contemporary space that will beautifully complement our diverse, seasonal menu.”
Owners WSH Restaurants opened The Woodspeen 10 years ago before launching the Clockspire in Somerset, the Sparsholt in Oxfordshire and the Boxford in Berskhire. The company plans to open its first London venue in Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia early next year.
Managing director Alessandro Fasoli said: “I’m incredibly proud to have overseen The Braywood project from start to finish. It’s been a privilege to watch our talented team come together and create something truly special. From the initial concept to the final touches, every detail has been meticulously crafted to provide an unforgettable dining experience. We can’t wait to welcome diners from near and far to discover The Braywood and experience what we’ve created.”
